10 Questions with ... Angel Hughes

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KHTQ (Rock 94 ½)/Spokane 1997-1999, Morning Show/MD, KNRK & KGUY Portland 1999-2000, and KBAZ (96.3 The Blaze)/Missoula, 2000-current.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

As far back as I can remember, my mom and grandma always had the radio on in every room of the house and as a young child, I'd ask a lot of questions like "how do they know when to say the weather" and "how do they transmit sound from their building to our radio?" I would also do airchecks and pretend to be local DJs; my mom still has the cassettes to prove it.

2. You mentioned to me that Alt 101.5 has been your dream for 21 years. How did you become so passionate about the alternative format?

I went to high school in the '90s, so the alt and grunge explosion really shaped my taste, opinions and tolerance for the kind of music I am into. When I began my radio career in 1997, it was my chief goal to eventually launch an alternative station in my hometown of Missoula.

3. What led to the launch of Alt 101.5, Alternative Missoula?

I'm lucky enough to have a GM and a sales department who have a genuine passion for the format, so when we proposed it to corporate, they were very supportive.

4. It was 17 years ago that you launched sister Rocker KBAZ (96.3 The Blaze). How do you share your time between the two stations and how much music will Alt 101.5 and The Blaze share?

I do the afternoon show on The Blaze, so it works out pretty well for me. I'm a morning person, so I am really enjoying doing the Alt morning show, getting a lot done during the day, and finishing my day with the afternoon show. I'd say we share about 15% of music between the 2 stations, mostly '90s golds.

5. Give us the 411 on Alt 101.5?

Many of our listeners are referring to it as a "REAL alternative" station and have expressed how refreshing it is to hear, not only their current favorite alt artists, but also their favorites from the '80s and '90s, including some deep cuts. It's very humbling when people compare the playlist to Seattle's KEXP and the world famous KROQ.

6. Tell us about the Alt 101.5 Launch Party With Chris Shiflett of The Foo Fighters.

We knew we were going to have a launch party and we were thinking about a small club show featuring some of the legendary local alt bands of the market. But when the opportunity to tie it in with Chris Shiflett came up, we jumped at the opportunity. I'm a mega Foo fanatic, so it will be a real honor to have Chris here to celebrate the accomplishment of my life dream with our listeners.

7. Your bio mentions you're a proud member of the Salish tribe. Tell us about being a member of the Salish tribe.

I do my best to be a good role model for younger members of my tribe, and all of our tribal members here in Montana, especially women. I want them to see that there is a place in the world for bright, ambitious native women, and that a dream career is possible if you work hard and stay true to your roots.

8. What may surprise people to learn about Missoula?

Missoula is actually a destination for a lot of big name artists and major tours. We have a beautiful local venue that was just ranked #69 out of the 200 best venues in the world. Between that, and the fact that a majority of our community embraces music in some way, shape or form, makes us a very music oriented market.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Red Bull, a cozy band hoodie and several doses of Foo Fighters.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I was a functioning alcoholic for a few years recently. I continued to run a top rated radio station, win awards and accolades and earn promotions at work, although I had a problem. I went through rehab in January of 2016 and have been sober and kicking even more ass ever since.

What are your hobbies?

Concerts. Traveling to festivals, preparing for concert road trips with my family.

Last non-industry job?

I worked in the bakery at Fred Meyer in Portland to make actual money while I made radio money at KNRK and KGUY.

First record ever purchased?

I was raised on music, so I'm sure I owned some pretty great albums that were gifted to me. But the first album I actually remember really needing and wanting to go out and purchase was Van Halen's "1984." And I played the hell out of it.

First concert?

Quiet Riot and Loverboy when I was 8 years old.

Favorite band of all-time?

Hands down, the Foo Fighters.